How $20 can teach a lesson

An Air Force colonel once taught me a humbling lesson about accepting generosity.

It was the summer of 1961 and I was in Kaiserslautern, Germany, as a missionary’s assistant.

As a student, I had very little money, but no complaints. I was blessed with many great Christian examples — both German and U.S. military. (Military personnel have done so much to advance and strengthen God’s Kingdom around the world. I saw a lot of that.)

By summer’s end, I was completely out of money. Had I not eaten at the table of Peggy Novak, whose husband I was serving, I would not have eaten at all. On my last Sunday, as people were leaving the building and wishing me well, Col. Albert Lovelady put a $20 bill in my hand and said, “Enjoy Paris on your way home.”

Are you kidding? Twenty whole dollars! I did some math. That’s like getting $163 in today’s money. I could eat, catch a cab to see the Eiffel Tower and then eat again!

Fifty-six years later, I haven’t forgotten Col. Lovelady’s generosity — and what he taught me about the importance of giving.

It was a profound lesson.

When you give to The Christian Chronicle, it is equally profound — whether you give $20, $163 or more. You’re giving to more than a newspaper; you’re giving to thousands of Christians around the world by helping us make inspiring stories of Christian people and ministries come to life.

Thank you once again for your generosity. We humbly accept.

Contact: [email protected]

Filed under: Editorial giving Opinion